Revista de SIDA e investigación clínica

In March 2020, Ukraine enforced a COVID-19 shutdown. We conducted a telephone survey of 123 older HIV-positive individuals (OPWH) between April and June 2020 to evaluate their mental health, involvement in HIV and other healthcare, and substance use using standardised scales. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were the main variables of interest. Models of univariate and multivariable Firth logistic regression were created to evaluate variables related to (1) anxiety and (2) depressive symptomatology. The results showed that 10.6% of people had high suicidal thoughts, 45.5% of them fulfilled the criteria for moderate to severe depression, and 35.0% of them met the criteria for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Being female (AOR: 2.83, 95%CI = 1.19-7.05), being concerned about potential obstacles to HIV treatment (AOR: 8.90, 95%CI = 1.31-104.94), and actively using drugs (AOR: 34.53, 95%CI = 3.02-4885.85) were all independent predictors of experiencing moderate to severe depression.

Understanding the interaction of care between medical personnel and those who have been diagnosed with HIV is the goal of this study. The study technique for this analysis, which used the constructivist approach of grounded theory, involved collecting data between 2020 and 2021. The core category, "Revealing the relationship between the professional and the person at the time of the positive result for HIV/AIDS," was created through the analysis of the in-depth interviews. The proximity of the nurse to the patient affects both parties' feelings and behaviours, which have an impact on how well the patient is cared for, bonded with, accepted, and following the prescribed course of treatment.

Background: Knowledge about HIV and AIDS is important in promoting safer sexual behaviour. Given that there is no vaccine or cure for HIV and AIDS, knowledge about HIV and AIDS is an important enabler in the prevention efforts. The aim of the study is to investigate HIV and AIDS knowledge and predictors among students at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa.

Methods: The study was conducted using cross-sectional and quantitative research methodology among students at Nelson Mandela University. Stratified sampling was employed to select 884 undergraduate students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data analysed using SPSS version 26. A bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed to identify predictors of HIV and AIDS knowledge. The p-value <0.05 and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to determine statistical significance of the findings.

Results: Findings show that 52.5% of the students had good knowledge about HIV and AIDS. Having a monthly stipend >2000 rand from parents/relatives (AOR=2.71 (1.35–5.49)), being in the third year level of study and higher up (AOR=5.35 (2.93–9.77)), and being in the health science faculty (AOR=16.29 (8.22–32.29)) were significant predictors of good level of HIV and AIDS knowledge.

Conclusion: Almost half of the students reported poor knowledge about HIV and AIDS. There were misconceptions about HIV transmission routes among students. Monthly income, level of the study, and faculty of study were reported to be significant predictors of HIV and AIDS knowledge. This study calls for the need to provide students with more HIV and AIDS education to address HIV and AIDS knowledge gaps and promote behavioural change.